Randy Weber Cedes Middle Ground to Nick Lampson in TX-14

There's little doubt that moderates will play a significant role in choosing Ron Paul's successor in Texas' redrawn 14th congressional district – but they won't be hearing much from Randy Weber. The self-described Tea Party candidate told the Houston Chronicle, “We don't knock on a lot of moderate doors, because my message doesn't really resonate.” It's no wonder, Weber's website touts the endorsement of “birther” Sheriff Joe Arpaio saying, “I have come to admire the way he sticks to his convictions even in the face of the strong headwinds of political correctness.”

The district is 53% Republican but Democratic nominee and former Congressman Nick Lampson has twice the positive name ID as Weber, who for the time being, seems more comfortable running against President Obama and “Obamacare” than his actual opponent. Energized Tea Party conservatives may have helped him win in the low turnout primary (and runoff) but it seems unlikely he can bank on riding Romney's coattails to Washington. The Austin American-Statesman reported Wednesday that many Texas delegates at the RNC are still unenthused and not fully committed to the Romney ticket. “The danger for Romney is that Republican voters simply won't show up to cast ballots,” said University of Texas professor James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project.

For his part Lampson knows he will need to gain the support of independents, moderates and even some Republicans, a skill and reputation he developed while in Congress. As a previous member of congress Lampson formed the largest bipartisan issue-based caucus in Washington, the Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus. He also participated in the Center Aisle caucus which required each new member to join alongside a member of the opposing party with the purpose of bringing more civility to government. “There must be a relationship between the parties. Our key focus has got to be America,” Lampson told the Burnt Orange Report.

About Author

Joe was born and raised in Beaumont, Tx, but live music and politics brought him to Austin.
He has worked in and around government and elections for over a decade including for a member of US Congress, the Texas Legislature, the Mayor of Austin.
He currently serves as Communications Director for the Travis County Democratic Party. He is most interested in transportation, energy and technology issues. He also likes Texas Hold'em and commuting on his electric skateboard.
Follow me on Twitter at @joethepleb.

3 Comments

ExperienceJoe – Are you supporting Lampson just because of his political affiliations? How about looking at the state of our nation – over $15 trillion in debt with more to be added and unemployemnt over 8% (higher if you include those who have stoped looking for work altogether). It's time to use common sense and elect a business man who has EXPERIENCE running a small business successfully. Weber is the only one with that record. I find it interesting that Democrats used to be so worried about our nation's debt, but now that a Democrat president is in office it's not a big deal to them anymore.

RE: ExperienceI am an independent and form my views around the issues rather than the party. One issue I believe in wholeheartedly is fiscal responsibility. It is important to understand that Nick Lampson fits that bill, along with a commitment to the middle class, job building and education. That is why Nick Lampson has the support of independently minded people like myself, and many Republicans and Democrats alike. Take a look at his record before lumping him in with either party. Randy Weber will be nothing more than more of the same extremism that is incapable of achieving anything, much like our current “do nothing Congress.”

RE: ExperienceJoe, c'mon, you didn't lay out ANY facts. I've followed Weber's tenure in the house of representatives. He helped cut $27 billion from the Texas budget. He authored landmark legislation to combat human trafficking in Texas – one of the first bills of its kind in the nation. That's just a few things from his record, which is a great record of fiscal responsiblity. Not only that, his experience as a small business man is extremely valuable. The democrats are spending this nation into oblivion. Do you really think Lampson is going to get up there and vote against the Democrat party? The choice is clear: if you like the way the last four years have been, vote Lampson; if you want someone who can help balance the budget and return our country to sound fiscal policy, vote Weber.